Professional contractors are everywhere, and can provide quality results for any project. Knowing where to find the right company for the job is not always easy with so many choices available, but recognizing the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder can help rule out those that may not provide the quality and professionalism required.
A reputable contractor should not be available to work the minute you call. Good ones are booked up, and may not be able to begin working for you for months. They are busy, and do not have the time to make cold calls to solicit business, their clients come to them because they have a reputation of a job well done.
Clearly outline what you need done and get quotes for the job. Good builders should provide these at no cost, however, do not expect it to be inexpensive. In exchange for their expertise and proper workmanship, you should expect there to be considerable cost involved. A quote that stands out as being too good to be true, most likely is.
Ask potential builders for reference from others they have worked for. Many are able to provide not only manes and numbers but photos and written recommendations. A cowboy builder will be unlikely to provide proof of a job well done, or perhaps be unwilling to allow you to speak to others they have done work for.
Get everything in writing. Everything should be clearly stated and there should be a contract in place, not only to cover the contractor, but the homeowner as well. Having everything on paper can help to provide peace of mind and can help if things go wrong.
There should never be an expectation of payment up front or in full. A builder that deals only is cash should be taken as a warning sign as well. Many builders will set up a payment schedule to allow for payments to be made throughout the ob. This allows them to pay workers and purchase supplies. A paper trail can be established with cheques or credit card payments, and this is important.
Doing research on builders considered for a project can help provide peace of mind that the job will be done professionally. Knowing that the builder chosen will live up to the expectations placed upon them ensures that the project will run smoothly, and if the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder present them self, cross the builder off the list.
A reputable contractor should not be available to work the minute you call. Good ones are booked up, and may not be able to begin working for you for months. They are busy, and do not have the time to make cold calls to solicit business, their clients come to them because they have a reputation of a job well done.
Clearly outline what you need done and get quotes for the job. Good builders should provide these at no cost, however, do not expect it to be inexpensive. In exchange for their expertise and proper workmanship, you should expect there to be considerable cost involved. A quote that stands out as being too good to be true, most likely is.
Ask potential builders for reference from others they have worked for. Many are able to provide not only manes and numbers but photos and written recommendations. A cowboy builder will be unlikely to provide proof of a job well done, or perhaps be unwilling to allow you to speak to others they have done work for.
Get everything in writing. Everything should be clearly stated and there should be a contract in place, not only to cover the contractor, but the homeowner as well. Having everything on paper can help to provide peace of mind and can help if things go wrong.
There should never be an expectation of payment up front or in full. A builder that deals only is cash should be taken as a warning sign as well. Many builders will set up a payment schedule to allow for payments to be made throughout the ob. This allows them to pay workers and purchase supplies. A paper trail can be established with cheques or credit card payments, and this is important.
Doing research on builders considered for a project can help provide peace of mind that the job will be done professionally. Knowing that the builder chosen will live up to the expectations placed upon them ensures that the project will run smoothly, and if the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder present them self, cross the builder off the list.
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